At least three miners remain trapped on Tuesday inside a coal mine in the north-east Colombian department of Boyaca following an explosion inside the mine, believed to have been caused by an accumulation of methane gas, local media reported.
“We don’t know if the workers are alive or dead, but we are working right now to get them out,” Mauricio Flechas, director of the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining (Ingeominas) told the press.
“The site is very isolated and the rescue team has not arrived at the mine yet. All we know is that a tunnel collapsed after the explosion, which was apparently produced by an excess build up of methane gas,” Flechas added.
Locals reportedly attempted to help the trapped miners but were deterred by the strong smell of gas.
Seven miners have lost their lives due to accidents in mines in Boyaca so far this year, El Tiempo reported.